19 February 2008

CELTICA RETAIL CENTRE

A new retail centre in Caernarfon is set to open its doors to customers in early April 2008.

Celtica Retail, a subsidiary of the Watkin Jones Group, will bring together the finest of Welsh and Celtic goods including locally produced gifts, food and homeware.

A number of local suppliers have already signed up to take advantage of the retail space available at Celtica, and the management team are following up further leads. There will also be produce on sale from Brittany, building upon Caernarfon’s links with its twin town Landernau; as well as produce from other Celtic countries such as Scotland and Ireland.

Peter Gee, an experienced retailer, has been appointed to head up the Senior Management Team. He describes Celtica Retail as a unique shopping experience with a ‘gallery’ feel.

He added:  “I am looking forward to working with local suppliers and some of the very best producers from across Wales to provide ongoing business opportunities here at Doc Fictoria. We are committed to ensuring a unique shopping experience which can only add value to what is currently on offer in Caernarfon.

New transport and signage links will also operate between the Town Centre and Doc Fictoria which will ensure that local shoppers, as well as visiting tourists, can appreciate the new development as an integral part of Caernarfon. These are exciting times for the economic development of Caernarfon – and I am proud to be a part of it”

Despite initial mixed feelings locally regarding the Doc Fictoria Development, many local residents are now looking forward to embracing the new facilities and leisure opportunities which will be available in Caernarfon.

Siwan Haf and Medi Davies from the centre of Caernarfon said: “We absolutely adore the town, however we have sometimes felt a little frustrated with the lack of facilities and the fact that young people are moving away to work and live. We really believe that the new development at Doc Fictoria, coupled with Galeri and other town centre improvements, will further enhance the quality of life here. We are really excited and proud that Caernarfon is moving forward, therefore attracting more people to the area. This can only be good news for the local economy and it will mean that local people like us do not feel the need to travel to larger towns and cities to spend our money.”